Chicago Blackhawks goalie Ray Emery makes a save against the Ducks, to no avail. The Ducks prevailed, 2-1, in Chicago. PAUL BEATY, AP

CHICAGO – News of longtime Calgary Flames star Jarome Iginla not only being traded, but to Pittsburgh instead of Boston, reverberated throughout the hockey world and the Ducks weren't isolated from that.

The Ducks, in the position of a team that could add before Wednesday's trade deadline, are paying attention to the moves that are being made by potential Stanley Cup contenders. So the Iginla deal surely raised eyebrows.

"It doesn't affect me as the coach of the team," Ducks coach Bruce Boudreau said. "But as a fan of the game, I'm there wanting to watch every minute of it like everybody else because it's an exciting (thing).

"You phone your assistant coaches or they've got it on the phone, 'Oh, you see Iginla got traded.' And then you have a great time dissecting it, whether it's in your own home or your own office. That's what hockey people do. They love hockey news."

Boudreau went on to the say that it's instances like this why fans look forward to the trade deadline. Players largely dread it but the Ducks are clearly a buyer and not a seller given their current No. 2 slot in the Western Conference.

Ducks general manager Bob Murray is staying quiet about his desires or any possible machinations in the works, but they've managed to get by without a permanent second-line center.

The market for those who can fit that bill is thin. Washington's Mike Ribeiro, who can be an unrestricted free agent in July, could serve as an attractive rental if he does not re-sign with the Capitals.

Derek Roy of Dallas and Derick Brassard of Columbus could be other options, but their teams are still in the West playoff picture. Florida's Stephen Weiss is no option because the veteran is out for the season because of a wrist injury.

The Ducks have made only the small moves of addressing their fourth line and depth by bringing in David Steckel and Radek Dvorak. But there are players who have a vested interest given how the Ducks have played their way into contention this season.

"A lot of teams, especially in the West, are still in it," Cogliano said. "There's not really a lot of teams that are completely out of it. If a team still thinks they're in it, they might not be selling or trading guys.

"But yeah, you're always interested to see if you might pick up a guy or see what other teams do, especially the teams that are at the top of the standings."

Once a part of the trade chatter until he signed his eight-year contract extension, Ryan Getzlaf said he doesn't believe the Ducks have to get someone to give themselves a jolt for the stretch run – or the postseason.

"I like our team," Getzlaf said. "You don't get to have the record we have without it. We have a lot of guys that are playing some good hockey this season.

"Obviously it's not my job to look or improve your club. Whatever Murph sees fit, whether he thinks there's something available that can help us, then obviously he'll go get it."

Ducks lose out

The Ducks took their shot at signing prized college defenseman Danny DeKeyser, but the Western Michigan star chose Detroit out of several teams under final consideration. It was not a surprise given that the free agent is a Michigan native.

DeKeyser, 23, was never drafted but is seen as being ready for the NHL. The Red Wings have been looking to upgrade in that area after the retirements of Brian Rafalski and Nicklas Lidstrom the past two years.

Prospect plays

Ducks prospect Charles Sarault made his pro debut for Norfolk (AHL) and got his first point with the primary assist on Patrick Maroon's overtime goal in a 5-4 victory over Syracuse.

Sarault, who signed a three-year entry-level deal earlier this month, finished second in the Ontario Hockey League regular season with 108 points. His Sarnia team was eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.

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